A Landmark Building in Halifax:

The Wije’winen Centre

The Wije’winen Centre (“Come with Us” in Mi’kmaw) is the future home of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society (MNFS) in downtown Halifax. This centre is a purpose-built, Indigenous-led facility that will provide a permanent home for nearly 70 programs and services for urban Indigenous peoples, and will serve as a cultural and reconciliation gateway for all Nova Scotians and visitors. This centre will be located next to Citadel Hill, and will be the most visible Indigenous building in Halifax, close to the building that most represents colonialism.  

The Centre will be built at 1940 Gottingen Street. The Halifax Regional Municipality transferred the remediated and cleared land to the MNFS for $1.00, recognizing its vital importance to the city and Indigenous communities.

Innovative Design for a Climate-Ready Building in Halifax

The Wije’winen Centre’s design reflects a bold vision for sustainable infrastructure in Halifax. Spanning over 75,000 sq. ft., this purpose-built facility will accommodate more than 150 staff and deliver over 70 programs and services for the community. Its layout includes cultural and ceremonial spaces, a birthing unit, judicial and healthcare areas, and outdoor gathering zones for land-based learning. A public interpretive centre will share Mi’kmaw history and values, reinforcing the building’s role as a cultural gateway. Designed to be climate-ready and zero-carbon, the Centre will feature green roofs and a unique bog, honouring the Mi’kmaq people as waterkeepers. 

Overcoming Design and Construction Challenges for the Wije’winen Centre

Balancing Cultural and Technical Requirements

One of the most complex aspects is the integration of a natural bog on the property, a feature deeply rooted in Mi’kmaw culture. While the city requires strict maintenance standards, the design must preserve the bog’s authenticity, balancing cultural values with technical requirements.

Architectural Complexity and Workforce Strategy

The building’s cultural significance also introduces intricate architectural elements, including numerous rounded edges and circular forms, which require advanced construction management and precision execution. Adding to these complexities is a regional labour shortage, coupled with a strong commitment to increasing Indigenous participation on the project.

Achieving a Zero-Carbon Mandate and Restoring Halifax’s Natural Landscape

The Wije’winen Centre is designed with a strong environmental vision, aiming to achieve a zero-carbon mandate and set a new standard for sustainable building in Canada. Beyond energy efficiency, the project restores a portion of downtown Halifax to its natural state through thoughtful landscaping. Existing trees on the property will be preserved and relocated when necessary, ensuring biodiversity and ecological balance. This approach reflects a commitment to climate-ready infrastructure and responsible construction management, reinforcing the Centre’s role as a model for green design in Nova Scotia.

Expertise in Cultural Design and Sustainable Construction

Pomerleau brings its expertise to the Wije’winen Centre, ensuring every detail reflects cultural significance and technical excellence. The project incorporates culturally specific millwork and landscaping, creating spaces that honor Mi’kmaw traditions while meeting modern infrastructure standards. Our strong background in Indigenous relations allows us to collaborate closely with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society, ensuring the design aligns with community values. In addition, the building features a large mass timber component, a sustainable material that Pomerleau has mastered through years of experience. This combination of cultural sensitivity, innovative design, and advanced construction management positions the Wije’winen Centre as a benchmark for sustainable building in Canada.

Innovative Design and Construction Solutions for Nova Scotia

Innovation is at the heart of the Wije’winen Centre’s design and construction process. To achieve its distinctive architectural features, Pomerleau introduced advanced solutions such as a new type of self-leveling concrete for the rounded exposed columns, ensuring precision and durability. The entire building was modeled in BIM, allowing for a comprehensive constructability review and clash detection, which streamlined coordination and improved efficiency. Adding a creative touch, timelapse cameras mounted on cranes provide a unique perspective on the progress, reinforcing transparency and engagement throughout the project.

Proud to Build in Atlantic Canada and Contribute to Halifax’s Future

At Pomerleau, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of Atlantic Canada through projects that matter. The Wije’winen Centre is more than a building; it is a symbol of cultural respect, sustainability, and community progress. Contributing to this landmark project in Halifax reflects our commitment to innovative design, responsible construction management, and meaningful partnerships. We are honored to collaborate with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society and to help create a space that will serve generations to come across Nova Scotia and beyond.